The term “boutique hotel” doesn’t begin to describe Blind Tiger Burlington, a relative newcomer to the city’s burgeoning luxury hotel scene. This fourteen-room guest house on South Willard Street offers an experience so unique, it makes visitors feel as if they’re staying in a beautiful, stately mansion with a charm all its own.

First built as a private home in 1881, the property’s original brick facade, slate roof, and exterior marble staircase remain, and overflowing flower and herb gardens are the centerpiece of the sprawling, manicured lawn in front of the house.

 The front hallway and entryway of the Blind Tiger Burlington features a classic, cherry-paneled foyer highlighted by a grandiose hardwood staircase.

A HOUSE WITH A HISTORY

Once the home of the banker Charles Williamson Woodhouse, the property served as a retirement home in the early twentieth century, then was converted into the Willard Street Inn, which opened in 1996 and was in operation for nearly twenty-five years.

In 2023, the historical inn was reborn as Blind Tiger Burlington, which is one of three guest houses of the same name owned by Lark Hotels, a company specializing in unique, experiential, design-driven properties throughout the US.

And since its opening in May 2023, Blind Tiger Burlington has lived up to the Lark Hotels’ reputation, earning two prestigious Michelin keys and twice being named Best Hotel in Burlington.

 The two-room Mr. Sun suite is a signature, boldly designed room named by Ryan Miller, the lead singer of the band Guster. It features one king bed, a seating area, and offers picturesque lake views through two large windows.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Paige Mooradian, the property’s general manager, explains that the term “blind tiger” refers to  establishments that sold and traded liquor during Prohibition. They charged admission to see a supposed attraction, such as a “blind tiger,” and then sold drinks to patrons once inside.

Over time, the term became a colorful term for a speakeasy, which aptly describes the vibe of the boutique property: discreet, stylish, and like a hideaway just waiting to be discovered.

 Curated by design duo Elder & Ash, The Horizon Times suite is a cozy, light-filled king room, featuring a vintage writing desk and a bay window, offering garden views and scenic glimpses of Lake Champlain. 

CURATED DECOR

Paige describes the décor as artistically curated, using a combination of historic details, as evidenced in the millwork and other architectural features, and modern curated design. But mostly, she says, it’s cozy and welcoming.

Each space at Blind Tiger Burlington is decorated with mostly handmade, antique, and one-of-a kind furnishings, along with unique works of art collected carefully over the past decade. Some guest rooms are equipped with gas fireplaces, while many boast original mantels and architectural detail.

Several rooms include comfortable seating areas, with antique leather wingback chairs, and others have separate living areas with sofas, reading nooks, and work (or craft) areas.

 Blind Tiger Burlington is a grand 1881 Victorian-style brick mansion, featuring a prominent west-facing double staircase, a classic slate roof, an eye-catching polygonal corner turret, and the original, sweeping exterior marble staircase.

RED-CARPET WELCOME

There’s no cold reception desk here. Instead, when you arrive and ring the doorbell, you are greeted by a staff member, who will give you a personal tour of the property. You then settle into one of the fourteen individually designed rooms, each with its own distinct style. Your local “host” who will provide you with their unique perspectives on how to best explore and enjoy the locale.

“We’re a guest house that hosts people, and we deliver an elevated experience,” she continues. “Guests don’t just check in and then disappear into their rooms. They’re encouraged to interact with the staff and each other.”

They tend to gravitate toward the jungle-like solarium, Paige says, a beautiful, sunlit space, with an original green-and-white-veined marble floor and mature plants. The fully stocked pantry is complimentary to guests, including small batch snacks and drinks available at any hour. “It’s part of the guest house experience,” Paige says, adding,

“Burlington has some great places to stay, but we’re unique because of the historical character of the space and a guest experience that is distinct. It’s unlike anything guests will get anywhere else.”

The solarium at Blind Tiger Burlington is a bright, jungle-like communal space, featuring original green-and-white-veined marble floors and an abundance of mature plants. It serves as a relaxed, sun-washed living room and is the perfect spot for morning breakfast, reading, or board games.

A TASTE OF BURLINGTON

During her tenure as GM, Paige has arranged partnerships with local businesses to enhance the personal nature of guests’ stays. She explains that this local connection is a large part of Blind Tiger’s package, saying, “Each room has a number and a name, which references a local artist or business. The guests love it—it creates a real sense of community.”

One such partner is La Reprise, a nearby wine shop and farm-to-table restaurant, known for its knowledgeable staff, genuine hospitality, and relaxed atmosphere. Paige makes sure Blind Tiger’s guests are provided with VIP service when dining there.

Another partnership is with Doma Bar, a local cocktail bar and vinyl listening lounge, affectionately known as “Pine Street’s living room.” Paige describes it as a comfortable but elevated bar with an energy, vibe, and mission similar to Blind Tiger’s.

HEARTFELT HOSPITALITY

The inn’s connection to Burlington extends beyond ties to its community of artists and local partnerships. It also supports Pathways, a nonprofit that provides mental health services and housing assistance to people experiencing homelessness. Guests are invited to contribute, as well, adding another layer to the hotel’s sense of place.

WHAT’S AHEAD

Paige is constantly envisioning new ways to introduce more people to Blind Tiger and expand the experience beyond overnight stays. One of her next goals is to make the inn better known as a venue for private gatherings and special events. The entire property can be reserved, accommodating up to thirty-one overnight guests and as many as sixty people for an event, and

Paige plans to welcome even larger groups in the future. “I would love to host more local events,” she says, imagining everything, from intimate celebrations to murder mystery parties. “I want more people to know about Blind Tiger.”

For all its distinctive character, Blind Tiger is surprisingly affordable. Its rates are generally in line with many traditional hotels in the Burlington area, yet it delivers a truly unique Vermont experience that embodies the soul of New England’s natural beauty, practical elegance, and connection to the local community.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BLIND TIGER BURLINGTON

Blind Tiger Burlington

349 South Willard Street

Burlington, VT

www.larkhotels.com/vermont/burlington/blind-tiger-burlington